You don't tell people who disagree with you they'd be better off somewhere else. And you don't reduce them to stereotypes; you address them as fully formed people worthy of respect. You try to persuade them.
Peggy NoonanRead
We don't need to 'control' free speech, we need to control ourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes self-regulation instead of imposing restrictions on free speech.
Peggy Noonan suggests that rather than trying to regulate or control what others say, we should focus on managing our own responses and self-discipline concerning speech. This underscores the importance of personal accountability in a society where free expression is valued, highlighting that the challenge lies within individual behavior rather than external censorship.
Themes
Free SpeechSelf-ControlAccountabilityFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the limits of free speech, you might use this quote to argue for personal responsibility.
More from Peggy Noonan
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Peggy NoonanRead
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